Unveiling your pool can be an exciting family event, marking the beginning of summer and bringing with it the anticipation of countless hours of family fun and a splashing good time. One thing you might notice is that the pool’s tile may be looking a bit outdated. Retiling your pool with today’s modern designs is a chic and fashionable way to accessorize your backyard. Selecting the perfect tile combinations can create a stunning and welcoming oasis, while also adding a resort-style feel to your home.

Most pool tiles are ceramic or porcelain and are available in a variety of textures, ranging from smooth to coarse. Here are some important tips to consider when retiling your pool – keeping in mind safety, style and functionality:

• Safety First – Choose tile for around the pool that is slip-resistant. This area will often be wet, so be sure to select a tile surface that can be treated to avoid slipping.

• Budget – Establishing an affordable budget is a key factor when planning any renovation or improvement. The cost of most pool tiles generally starts at $1.50 per one square yard. You can use your budget as a guide to help keep you on track when selecting tiles or planning an intricate design.

• Lifetime Guarantee – To protect your investment, select tiles that offer a Lifetime Guarantee against color fading and damage. You should also make sure the guarantee protects you against any manufacturing defects. (The last thing you want is to tap out your wallet by chipping the tile every few years.)

• Choosing a Design – Just like choosing the décor of your home, choosing the right design for your pool should be a reflection of your personal style and backyard theme. For a leafy landscape, we suggest selecting glass mosaic tile and opt for rounded edges to prevent scraping against your skin. For a traditional yard, classic blue tiles or earth tones are the best choice. For a more eccentric look, some homeowners are going all out by using brightly colored tiles and designing creative patterns on the bottom of their pools for a more fun and fashionable look.

• Floor Surface – The surface of your pool will be different than the tiles you choose for your wall and pool area. Most floor surfaces are made of slate, pebble or stone. But if you want a more beautiful pool, then selecting trend glass mosaic is the best option. Trend mosaic has color throughout the glass, so it will never lose its color. It is manufactured for wet environments (such as swimming pools), so with a proper installation system (like one from Laticrete International, Inc.) your pool will look like new for over 25 years. We recommend white or blue tiles for the pool, as they are calming colors and they reflect the light perfectly.

• Cleaning and Maintenance – At some point, swimming pool tiles can develop build-up that may require the use of an abrasive cleaner. It’s a good idea to research which type of chemicals are required to clean the tiles you choose.

• Getting a Sneak-Peek – Ask for samples of the tile before placing your order. Lay them around your pool so that you can get an idea of how they will look and if you need to make any adjustments.

• Installation – As with any home project, you want to hire a reputable tile installer who will get the job done professionally, efficiently and within your budget.